Cinemas return on October 1st, although technically eating and drinking is offlimits

After almost a half-year of closure, at least in Pattaya, cinemas have been given the nod by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, or CCSA, the central body that dictates Covid-19 restrictions and rules in Thailand, to reopen effective from October 1st.

Now, as of today, September 30th, there have not been official orders from the Chonburi Governor granting/agreeing with the relaxation of measures, this is nearly certain to happen and the Chonburi Public Relations office did repost the Royal Gazette notice confirming the rules and regulations last night, September 29th, which seems to state they will allow relaxations, including cinemas, from tomorrow.

Additionally, looking at local cinemas like SFX Cinema in Central Festival, they are advertising they will be open for business tomorrow and showing Black Widow, Suicide Squad, Wrath of Man, and Malignant. Showtimes are below for this local cinema.

However, technically (we will see if it is enforced) the rules from the CCSA ban drinking and eating in the cinema. This is because you need to wear a mask at all times!  That means no popcorn, no drinks, no candy, no snacks, for your entire two-hour or so movie. This is also where most cinemas make the majority of their profits, so we don’t expect this rule to last very long. Last year when cinemas opened after a three-month closure a similar rule banning eating lasted about two days, if that.

Additionally, theaters will be only at 50% capacity. People can sit together if they come together but otherwise, there must be ample space between different parties/groups.

It is, however, a start and will be good to see cinemas back for the first time in half a year! Are you planning to visit a cinema soon or is it still too risky for you? Let us know in the comments below.